Hashed SSID Transmission for Wireless LAN Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless LAN systems face security and privacy issues due to the transmission of Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) in plain text, making them vulnerable to hacking and user tracking.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating hashed SSIDs using cryptographic hash functions like SHA-256, modifying them with timestamps or nonces, and transmitting these hashed values instead of plain text SSIDs, ensuring that only authorized devices can match and verify the hashed SSIDs for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If SSIDs are transmitted in plain text, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but security and privacy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of SSID transmission from plain text to hashed format. The SSID is transformed through cryptographic hashing (e.g., SHA-256) before transmission, fundamentally altering its representation while maintaining identification functionality. This resolves the contradiction by introducing security without significantly increasing system complexity, as the hashing operation is performed locally and the hashed SSID is transmitted instead of the original.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hashed SSID as an intermediary between the original SSID and the transmission channel. The hashing function acts as a mediator that protects the SSID during transmission while allowing legitimate devices to verify identity through the hash comparison process. This intermediary approach enables security enhancement without requiring complex encryption protocols or key management systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If SSIDs are hashed to improve security, then security and privacy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having each device independently generate and verify the hashed SSID using the same cryptographic function. The station and access point both perform the hashing operation locally without requiring a centralized authority or complex key distribution system. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining security, as each device autonomously verifies the SSID hash match.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hashed SSIDs are used, then user privacy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback through the hash verification process. The station generates a hashed SSID from the received SSID and compares it with the expected hash value. This feedback mechanism automatically verifies privacy protection while maintaining operational simplicity, as the comparison process is transparent to the user and handles the complexity internally.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A method for securing communications between an access point and a station includes generating a first hashed service set identifier (SSID) by applying a first hash function to a first SSIO known by the station (block 811), transmitting a first message to the access point, wherein the first message includes the first hashed SSID (block 813), and receiving a second message from the access point, wherein the second message includes a second hashed SSID generated by the access point by applying a second hash function to a second SSID associated with the access point (block 815).